Macclesfield 0 Rochdale 1

Macclesfield huffed and puffed but couldn't find a way past top of the table Rochdale as the leaders snatched three points at the Moss Rose. The Silkmen pinned the visitors back for large periods of the game but Dale's class shone through.

Macclesfield huffed and puffed but couldn't find a way past top of the table Rochdale as the leaders snatched three points at the Moss Rose.

The Silkmen pinned the visitors back for large periods of the game but Dale's class shone through.

Striker Ricky Sappleton came close with a fifth minute shot at goal but Dale were by far the better side in the first half and should have gone in ahead at the break, only dogged defending from the home side keeping them at bay.

Rochdale skipper Gary Jones blew the best chance of the half, blasting over the bar from 15 yards after Chris O'Grady found him in acres of space.

As the first period came to a close, Sean Hessey did well with a last-gasp block to deny Dale's Chris Dagnall, O'Grady again the provider for his team-mate.

On the hour mark O'Grady did have a hand in the crucial goal. His close-range effort was blocked by Macc keeper Jonny Brain, but the ball rebounded onto the unfortunate Nat Brown and over the line.

Macc sub Craig Lindfield nodded over a Lee Bell corner and Matty Tipton also came close for Macc but Nathan Stanton blocked his shot on the line.

At the other end Craig Dawson should have doubled Dale's lead but he headed over from inside the six-yard box.

With Macclesfield desperately seeking a goal, the usually lethal Dagnall skewed wide an open-goal sitter from two yards. It made no difference as Dale held out for the victory.